Searle’s Encampment & Raid
Join us for the re-enactment of the “1668 Searle’s Raid -Sack of St. Augustine”. On Friday, March 6, 2020, a 17th century-style military encampment will be open to the public at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and will play host to military drills, demonstrations and living history interpretation from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The historical re-enactment of the famous bloody pirate raid led by Robert Searle and his crew commences at the Plaza on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 4:30pm. It depicts the sacking and burning of the town.
In 1668, Captain Robert Searle and his privateers sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots (metals that can be shaped into various things) held in the royal coffers (small chests) at St. Augustine. Under the cover of night, they slipped into the harbor and attacked the sleeping town, killing sixty people and pillaging government buildings, churches and homes.